Test PB Collection: FTE

The UC Master Gardener Program was created to aid in the dissemination of research-based information to the community backyard growers of California.

California's water sources have been stretched in recent times, and with precipitation being unpredictable saving water is always the right choice! Did you know that you can save 20 to 50 percent of the water you currently use in your garden and landscape and actually improve your plants health?

UCCE Master Gardeners are community members who have been trained under the direction of the University of California Cooperative Extension. Each volunteer has completed more than 50 hours of formal classroom training.

What's happening in the garden? What needs to be pruned? What needs to be sprayed? Check out the current month to find out.

Keep an eye on the weather report - protect frost-tender plants when the temperature falls below 32 degrees. Divide perennials like daylilies and chrysanthemums. Prune crepe myrtles, cane berries, and roses, and clean-up trimmings.

Above 2000 ft. : prune deciduous fruit trees, cane berries Below 2000 ft.: prune grapes, roses, crepe myrtle. Paint trunks of bare root and young fruit trees to prevent borers and protect from sunburn. Use interior white latex paint with equal amounts of water and apply generously.

Prune grapes and roses. Cleanup: remove mummy fruit and blighted limbs on stone fruit to reduce brown rot. Remove and destroy fallen leaves to reduce peach leaf curl. Mulch cane berries, cut out all old canes and reset new canes in twine.

Pinch chrysanthemums back to 6 inches every month through July. Trim dead flowers but not leaves, from spring bulbs. Mulch cane berries, cut out all old canes and reset new canes in twine. Cultivate and pull weed seedling now to prevent bloom.

Set out traps for earwigs, slugs, and whitefly. Thin pit fruits at or before pit hardening. Thin apples when diameter. Mow grass or cultivate soil around orchard to discourage thrips and plant bugs. Mulch around plants to control weeds and conserve moisture.

Thin apples when diameter. Mow general cleanup for fire protection. Mulch garden beds to retain moisture and encourage deep roots by deep and infrequent watering. Check sprinklers and drip systems for needed repairs and adjustments.